[Political Junkie Too]

The original grammar was correct. It was using the subjunctive mood, which is when one supposes a state that is different than reality.

In this case, the writer is suggesting that IF there WERE a character on a box of cereal, children would be more likely to like it.

I don't say "If I was President, I would..." The proper form is "If I were President, I would..."

-PJ

[Arthur McGowan]

But there WAS a cartoon character on the box they gave the children.

If they had presented the childre with only plain gray boxes, it would then be correct to ask the children, “Would you like this cereal more if there WERE a cartoon character on the box?”

Since there WAS a cartoon character on some of the boxes, it was incorrect to say that “children liked a cereal better if there WERE a cartoon character on the box.”

If Obama were to be asked, “Are you responsible for the lousy economy since 2009?” it would be grammatically correct for him to say, “Even if I was President starting in 2009, it’s all Bush’s fault.” It would be grammatically incorrect for him to say “if I were President” precisely because he was (the putative) President.

[Bigg Red]

I went back and read it, and I can see that you are correct, PJ. Excellent explanation, too. Thanks.

The piece is still awkward writing, though, IMO.